COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel today honored Ohio service members who sacrificed their lives while serving their country by joining Gold Star families in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ohio Statehouse ahead of Memorial Day.

“Our fallen heroes believed in freedom, took an oath to defend it, and gave their lives doing just that. We owe them a debt we can never repay,” said Governor DeWine. “As we lay a wreath as a symbol of our commitment to remember and honor, please say a prayer for our fallen heroes, and a prayer for their loved ones, as well.”

“Today, we are honored to stand with Ohio’s Gold Star families in gratitude, in remembrance, and in honor of our fallen service members,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “All of the incredible opportunities we have in our state are only possible because of the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedom. We are forever indebted to those who gave their lives in service to our country, and to the loved ones who carry their legacies forward every day.”

During the ceremony, Governor DeWine recognized Hospital Corpsman Third Class Maxton Soviak of Berlin Heights, Ohio, who died in Kabul, Afghanistan at the age of 22 as a result of wounds he sustained while assisting in the humanitarian effort to evacuate those trying to escape the Taliban.

Additional Gold Star families were also in attendance and honored during the ceremony.

Following the wreath-laying, a rifle salute was conducted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Honor Guard and “Taps” was played by a bugler from the 122nd Ohio Army National Guard Band.

“On Memorial Day, and every day, it is important that we take time to remember and recognize those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Say their names, tell their stories, uplift their loved ones, and honor their memory,” said Tammy Puff, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.

A full recording of the ceremony can be found on The Ohio Channel website.